[Imladris]

Lira furrowed her brow and bowed her head when she learned that Esgallhugwen would not share her burden of sorrow with her. They were both strangers and it was the natural response; nevertheless, Lira was thrown into a sea of surging disappointment.

She vaguely heard Esgallhugwen asking if she would like to go for a ride, and she nodded yes. Like phantoms they floated down the stairs, for many were all ready abed, and crept silently towards the stables.

A soft wind whispered in their ears and upon its wings brought the fresh smell of grass and flowers. Lira breathed deeply, thankful that the stench of beer and ale was gone. As the breeze tugged her hair, her spirit soared, exalting that it was free: free to hear the trill of crickets, the murmur of water, the sounds of the night, the shimmer of the stars, the silver glow of the moon.

As they glided into the stables, Lira turned her head and murmured, "You told me that I care much for one that I do not know. You are a Silvan Elf, I a Sindarin. We are kin, you and I, because we are of the race of Elves. I asked you to share your grief because if one has a friend, even if she be a stranger now, that burden of sorrow and anger is easier to bear, for now you have one to help you: one to pull you from sloughs of despondancy, one to hear and feel your bottled anger and to comfort you in your distress." After a short pause, Lira said, "This is my mare, Merkaliel. What is the name of your horse?"

[ July 28, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]